Pallet stack unloader



y 1953 J. B. THOMAS I I 2,639,051

PALLET STACK UNLOADER Filed A rills. 194a 6Sheets-Sheetl FIG.

1 iII-Ilinw i W I INVHVTOR. H J, a. THOMAS ATTORNEY May 19, 1953 J.-B.frl-|o'M As PALLET STACK UNLQADER Filed April 16. 1948" GSHe'etS-Sh et 2 INVENT0R.'= I

J. B.- THOMAS ATTORNEY.

y 1953 J. a. THOMAS 2,639,051

PALLET STACK momm Filed April 16, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 2!.

EXTEND RETRACQ l5 F|G.8 I 54 uvyuvron J.8. THOMAS BY AI'TORNEY May 19, 1953 J. B. THOMAS 2,639,051

PALLET STACK-UNLOADER Filed April 16, 1948 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.15

INVENTOR. J. B; THOMAS ATTORNEY May-19, 1953 Y J. B. THOMAS PALLET s'rAcK' UNLOADER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 16, 1948 mmvrx J. B. THGMAS ATTORNEY 4 viz/r9152 71/ n m u &

ATTORNEY J. a. THOMAS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 mm ki i mm qmiwiu J. B; THOMAS PALLET STACK UNLOADER 5 m\iilill illill\ \mimidmwiwmiwmli! May 19, 1953 Filed April 16. 1948 FIG. 25

Patented May 19, 1953 U N IT-ED S TAT-ES PATENT OFFICE PALLET STACK UNLOADER Julian B. Thomas, Fort Worth, Tex.

Application April 16, 1948; Serial No. 21,536

31 Claims. 1

This invention relates to material and article handling and more particularly to an unloading device for various uses including application to industrial trucks of the character usually referred to commercially as fork trucks.

Heretofore various types of unloading devices have been developed and utilized but these have not proved entirelysatisfactory .in that .theyhave been large and bulky, utilizing space normally occupied by a portion of the load and have not been dependable in operation, resulting in substantially abandoning the use of such devices.

It is therefore an object of this inventionto provide an unloading device of relatively simple and inexpensive construction which will retract to occupya minimum of space and which may be extended a sufiicient distance to unload any platten or pallet now in commercial use thus providing an efficient labor saving device and one in which the form of the stacked load is maintained during and after unloading.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an unloading device easily applicable to commercial fork trucks without the necessity of extensive alterations therein or which maybe incorporated in new trucks at the factory.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an unloading device in which a relatively large force is developed which is at all times under the complete control of the operator and in which power for operation may be obtained from a self-contained hydraulic unit actuated by electric current from the truck or which may be operated by the use of proper conduits from the hydraulic system of certain types of trucks.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an unloading device incorporating means for gripping the platten or pallet during the .unloading operation thus preventing undesired movement of the pallet on the forks, the gripping means being so constructed that it is not necessary to accurately position the truck with relation to the pallet, the gripping means operating effectively even with considerable misalignment.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a pushing device for moving :a load wherever it is desired to accomplish a relatively large movement and yet will occupy a relatively small space when retracted.

Further objects .and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, specification taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showinga .portion of a, conventional industrial fork truck having one form of: an unloading device attached thereto showing the, manner of obtaining power from the truck and with the unloading .device in. extended condition;

Fig. 2, an elevational view of the unloading device of Fig. l with parts removed to clearly show the operating means;

Fig. 3, .a. perspective detail viewof :a portion of the unloading device of Fig. .2;

Fig. 4, an elevational view vof an industrial fork truck .showing amodified form .of unloading device attached thereto with the. unloading device. in collapsed: or retracted condition;

Fig. 5, a front elevation of the truck and unloading device of Fig. dshowing the grid 01 load engaging portion of the device;

Fig. 6, an elevational view showing the unloading device .of Fig. 4 with parts removed for greater clarity;

Fig. 7.. a perspective detail view showing the slidesand trackway employed in thedeviceof Fi Fig. :8, an :elevational View of a further modified form of unloading device shown in extended condition;

Fig. :9, an elevational view of the 'unloadin device ofFig. 8.-in retracted condition;

Figs. .1-0 and '11, fragmentary elevational' views of therunloading device of Fig. -'8 with parts omitted for greater clarity;

Fig. 12, a perspective detail view of theiplunger connecting means employed in thedevice of Fig. 8;

Fig. 13,9. fragmentary rear elevation of the unloading device of Fig. tin retracted condiment ,by. the jaws;

Fig. 18, a fragmentary sectional view of the powercylinder and associated parts of the gripping means of Fig. 14;

Fig. 1 9, a fragmentary elevational view with parts in section showing the manner of mounting the gripping jaws;

Fig. 20, a perspective fragmentary detail view of a modified form of gripping jaw;

Fig. 21, a schematic diagram showing the hydraulic operating circuit and an electrical control circuit therefor;

Fig. 22, a fragmentary perspective view with parts broken away for greater clarity showing the unloading device of Fig. 1 and the pallet gripping means attached to a fork truck and engaging a pallet with the unloader in extended position;

Fig. 23, a fragmentary perspective view of the unloading device attached to a fork truck and in retracted position.

With continued reference to the drawings there is shown in Fig. 1 an industrial truck l commercially known as a fork truck and being provided with wheels I I, control levers l2 and steering wheel 13. The forward end of the truck [0 is provided with forks [4 adapted to engage beneath a pallet carrying a load, the forks I4 being mounted for vertical movement on upright rails l5 attached to the forward part of the truck.

As shown in Fig. 1 there is provided an unloading device IB attached to a vertically movable carriage and movable up or down with the forks I4. The unloading device [6, as best shown in Fig. 2, is provided with rear mounting members I! and a load-engaging generally rectangular grill [8. Obviously, if desired, grill [-8 may be replaced by an imperforate member of metal, wood or any desired material.

Load engaging member 18 is connected to supportin members I! by a series of links, link !9 being pivoted at 20 to the members ll, the upper end of the link l9 being provided with a roller 2| for engagement with a track 22 on the work engaging member l8. A second link 23 is pivotally mounted at its lower end on the member 3 and is pivoted substantially at its mid-point to link 19 as at 24. The upper end of link 23 is pivotally connected at 25 to a slidable member 26 received in a trackway 21 provided on the forward face of member H. The member 18 is further connected to member I] by a link 28 pivotally mounted on member l8 at 29, the opposite end of link 28 being pivotally connected at 30 to another link 3|, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to member I! at 32. From pivot 30 a link 33 connects with pivot 24 passing through links H! and 23.

In order to operate the device, there is provided an actuating pressure cylinder 34 pivotally mounted on member H at 35 to permit slight oscillatory or rocking movement of the cylinder, there being provided conduits 36 and 31 attached to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder. A piston rod 38 havin a piston thereon is slidably received in cylinder 34, the lower end of the rod 38 terminating in a yoke 39 on which are rotatably mounted rollers 45 by means of an axle or pivot pin 4|. Rollers 40 are mounted to travel in an inclined trackway 42 secured to members l1. Also adjacent the upper surface of roller 40 there is provided a rail 43 which normally prevents movement of roller 40 away from trackway 42. Also connected to yoke 39 by pivot pin 41 is a link 44 pivotally connected at its opposite end 45 to link l9 substantially at the mid-point thereof between pivoted end 20 and pivot 24.

It will thus be seen that by introducing fluid pressure into the upper end of cylinder 34 the piston and rod 38 will be moved downwardly 4 thereby moving rollers 40 along trackway 42 and exerting a force through link 44 on link l9 which in turn will actuate the remaining linkage to extend or move outwardly the load engaging member I8.

When the unloading device is in retracted or collapsed condition, the pivot points of the linkage are substantially in line or on dead center, and in this condition the load engaging member It has a tendency to cock or tilt away from member H. In order to prevent this undesirable condition, there is provided at the upper end of member is a hook-like member 46 beneath which the roller 2| is adapted to engage when the device is in retracted condition. This provides additional support for the upper end of member I8 and prevents tilting or cooking thereof. It will of course be understood that the linkage and actuating means therefor, together with the hook-like member 46, are duplicated at the opposite side of the device in order to provide a balanced construction.

A modified form of the unloading device of this invention is shown in Figs. 4 to '7, the linkage and load engaging member being substantially identical to that above-described in connection with the structure of Fig. 2.

The modification is in the manner of applying power to the device for extending and retracting the load engaging member [8, and in this form of the invention there is provided a power cylinder 4'! having fluid pressure conduits 48 and 49 connected to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder. A piston rod 50 having a piston on the end thereof is slidably received in cylinder 41, the opposite end of the rod 50 being pivotally attached by a yoke 5| to link 19. Yoke 5| is adjustably secured to piston rod 50 by screw threaded engaging means 50' and is locked in adjusted position by lock nut 5|. It will thus be seen that by the introduction of fiuid pressure to the cylinder 41 the piston and rod 50 will be moved inwardly or outwardly to actuate link I9 and associated linkages to extend or retract load engaging member l8.

A further modified form of the invention is disclosed in Figs. 8 to 13 and comprises upright members 52 attached to the vertically movable carriage 53 on the front of the truck. As in the previously described forms of the invention. there is provided a load engaging grill or member '54 connected to upstanding members 52 by a system of links and levers. The linkage system comprises a link 55 pivotally connected to the member 54 at 5B, the opposite end of link 55 being provided with a pin 5'! slidably received in a cam slot 58 in the upstanding member 52. A second link 59 is pivotally attached at its outer end 60 to load engaging member 54 and at its inner end 6| is pivotally attached to a bell crank lever 62 which is pivotally mounted at 63 on upstanding member 52. A second bell crank lever 64 is pivotally attached to link '55 at 65, the inner end of lever 64 being pivotally mounted on upstanding member 52 by a rod 66. Bell crank levers (i2 and 54 are pivotally connected at substantially their mid points 61 and 68 by a link 68.

In order to extend or retract load engaging member 54 there is provided a pressure cylinder 10 fixed to the top of upstanding member 52 by a screw threaded fastening means or the like ll. Fluid pressure conduits l2 and 13 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 10 for the introduction of fluid pressure thereto. Slidably received in cylinder 10 obs-opal a piston and piston rod I4 whichi's provided at its lower end with an adjustablylnounted yoke I5. Pivotally mountedon yoke "by rod 18 is a shoe TI which slidably engages the upper surface of bell crank lever 84. The shoe I1 is retained in engagement with lever 64 by depending ears I8 engaging the sides of the lever. I

It will be seen that introduction of fluid pressure to the upper end of the cylinder 'I0 will cause the pistonand rod I4 to move downwardly thus exerting a downward force on bell crank lever 64 which in turn will actuate the remaining linkage to extend the load engaging member 54. Shoe I1 is guided in its movement by engagement of rod I6 with cam surface I8 andfslot 80. In order to retract load engaging member 54, there is provided a spring 8I received' on rod 68 and engaging bell crank lever '84. Spring 8] is tensioned by the outward or extending movement of the device, and this tension "serves to return the device to retracted position.

it is of course understood that the linkage system and power cylinder are duplicated at the opposite side of the device in order to provide a balanced structure, and the two power cylinders may be connected by the conduit :12 which is provided with a single fitting 82 for reception of a conduit leading to a source of fluid pressure.

In using unloading devices of this nature, it is common practice to engage the load to remove the same from the pallet and as the load is removed therefrom to either move the truck rearwardly under power or allow the force ex- T erted by the unloading device'to push the truck rearwardly. During this operation there is a tendency for the pallet to move ofi. the forks supporting the same and since this is an undesirable result, means have been provided in connection with this invention whereby the pallet may be releasably clamped in position on the forks to prevent movement of the same while removing the load therefrom.

The unloading device comprising a part of this invention is best shown in Figs. "14' to 20 and comprises a pair of gripping ja'ws'83 sl'idably mounted on a cross bar 84 secured between the forks I4. Jaws 83 are moved toward and'away from each other by a linkage system 95 which comprises a pair of links 88 and 81 pivotally connected to each jaw 83 at 88 and 89. Links 86 are pivotally connected at their upper ends 80 to supporting plates 9| mountedon a cohnecting plate 92 by screw threaded fasteners.

or the like 93. Links 81 are pivotally mounted adjacent their upper ends on plates Si by pivot pins 94, the links 81 extending a short distance above pivots 94 and being provided with pivot pins 95 pivotally mounting links 96. Links 96 are pivotally secured to each other and to a yoke 97 by a pivot pin '98.

Yoke 91 is attached to a piston rod99 for and lflxadiaee'nt theupfper lower ends there- 0:, respectively, for the reception of fluid'pressure: conduits. I

In operation fluid pressure is applied through fitting I01 to the lower end'of the "cylinder I03 thus causing 1 upward movement of the piston 'I 02 and rod which. action resiliently transmits motion through c'oil spring' I00 received around rod- 88 between the lower'connecting portion I'0I of yoke t'l and awasher or shoulderl09 abutting the upperend of piston I02. The resulting motion -is' transmitted from yoke 07 through links to llnks81 thus moving jaws 83 inwardly reward each "other. -As a result of thismoti'on, jaws 83 will engage behind projecting fingers I-I0 provided on the central longitudinal member III comprising a portion of the frame of a pallet H 2. Jaws 83 will continue to grip or engage behind projections -I I0 during the'movement of a load from the'surfac'eof the pallet, after the completion or which fluid pressure *is'applied through fitting I08 to the upper-end or cylinder- I0'3 to move the piston I02- downwarmy thus 's'epara ting jaws83 and permitting the truck to move rearwardly disengaging forks l-rrrem paIIetIIZ. I I Y Amodified form of gripping jaw is shown in Fig. 20 inwhich jaws II3 may be provided with facing's IH on the inner sides'ther'e'of, these iacings being formed of some resilient material such as rubber or the like and serving'to frictionally grip the longitudinal frame member I II '92 an'fithe' links 86 and '81 pivotally mounted thereonan'd connecting with jaws 83 are free to move laterally in either direction in accordance with which of the jaws 83 first engage 'mem- I Fol-instance, as viewed in Fig. 17, if the right 'hand vja'w'83 first engages the member II I, movein'e'nt'of this jaw will cease and the left hand jaw 83 will then continue to move toward member III, the cylinder I03 and associated'partsmoving "with this jaw until complete gripping of the member III is effected. Similarly the same action would take placebnlyi'n the opposite direction, i'fthe'left hand jaw 83 were first to engage member 'I I I. The jaws 83 in their open or separated position present a sufiicient spread to allow member III to pass therebetween, even t ough by the previous engagement jaws 83 may have been displaced a considerable distance laterally.

The above-described floating mounting which permits-engagementof a truck with pallet with "considerable misalignment present is extremely important since this materially reduces the time required 'for' bringinga truck into proper position'to"liftandmove the pallet H2 and theload carried thereby.

In order to properly actuate the unloading means a'nd'the gripping means in timed relation and to maintain these mechanisms "under com- .plete control of the operator at all times, "there is provided a hydraulic or fluid pressure circuit for supplying the necessary actuating power and an electrical control circuit, the details of these circuits being shown schematically in Fig. 21.

For supplying the necessary fluid pressure there is provided a motor I I driving a pump II6 through a conventional coupling 1. Pump II6 receives fluid through a conduit II8 from reservoir II9, the discharge of pump II6 passing through conduit I to a relief valve I2I and from this valve through a conduit I22 to a solenoid actuated valve I23. From solenoid valve I23 a return conduit I24 leads to reservoir I I9 and relief valve I2I is also provided with a return conduit I25 leading to reservoir H9.

The lower end of cylinders 34 are connected by conduits 31 and pressure conduit I26 with conduit I22 at a point between relief valve I2I and I23. Conduit I26 also connects to the fitting I01 at the lower end of cylinder I03. This connection results in fluid pressure being at all times applied to the lower end of cylinders 34 and cylinder I03. The upper ends of cylinders 34 are connected by conduit 36 which in turn is connected through a conduit I21 to one connection of solenoid valve I23. The fitting I06 on the upper end of cylinder I03 is connected by a conduit I28 to conduit 36.

Control of the motor H5 and solenoid valve I23 is accomplished by a three-position switch I29 mounted on truck I0 in a position convenient to the operator. A source of electric power is obtained through a line I30 leading to switch I29 and to the frame of the unloading device. The motor I I 5 is provided with a power conducting line I3I leading to the frame of the unloading device and with a power conducting line I32 leading to the switch I29. The solenoid valve I23 is provided with operating power through lines I33 carried to switch I29.

' Assuming the unloading device to be in a collapsed or retracted condition, in order to extend the same, it is only necessary to move the operating handle I34 of switch I29 to its uppermost position as indicated in broken lines in Fig. 21 at which time power will be applied to motor II5 thus actuating pump H6 and providing fluid pressure in the circuit. It is to be noted that this fluid pressure is applied to the lower ends of cylinders 34 and I03 through conduit I26 but the operation of switch I29 also supplies power to the solenoid valve I23 to permit flow of pressure fluid through conduits I22, I21, 36 and I28 to the upper ends of cylinders 34 and I03.

Since the areas of the upper surfaces of the pistons received in these cylinders are greater than the areas of the lower surfaces of these pistons, they Will be moved outwardly of the cylinder due to the higher total pressure thereon and against the action of the fluid pressure in the lower portions of the cylinders. This results in a smooth continuous movement of the pistons since they are at all times under a load from both sides thereof, whereas if fluid pressure were applied to only one side thereof a jerky or uncontrolled movement would tend to result. During the outward movement of pistons 38 and 99, the fluid expelled from the lower portions of the cylinders 34 and I03 flows through conduit I06 into conduit I22, there mixing with the fluid being supplied from the pump IIB.

When the pistons 38 and 99 reach their outward limit of travel, the excess fluid supplied by pump I I6 is by-passed by relief valve I2I through conduit I25 back to the reservoir II9. At this time switch operating handle I34 may be moved' to the central or neutral position at which time motor I I5 will cease to operate and solenoid valve I23 will return to its normal condition.

When it is desired to retract the load enga ing device and release the gripping jaws 03 the switch operating handle I34 is moved to the lowermost position as indicated in broken lines in Fig. 21 to again energize motor H5 and operate pump II6. Fluid pressure i thus again applied to the lower portions of cylinders 34 and I03 but due to the position of solenoid valve I23 will not be applied to the upper portions of these cylinders. Consequently reverse movement of pistons 38 and 99 will take place, the fluid expelled from the upper portions thereof being conducted through conduit I21, solenoid valve I23 and conduit I24 back to the reservoir II 9. After completion of the return or retracting movement switch operating handle I34 may be returned to neutral position thus stopping motor H5 and pump H6.

The above described fluid pressure circuit and electrical control circuit therefore represents a very simple and efficient manner of properly operating and controlling the device of this invention, and it has been found entirely practical to provide a reservoir and motor driven pump directly on the unloading device, it being only necessary to provide electrical connections from the motor and from the solenoid valve to the control switch on the truck. These connections may be conveniently made through a cable I35 connected to a junction box I36 mounted at a convenient location on the truck ID, the cable 35 having suflicient slack in loops I3! and I38 to permit movement of the unloading device from a lowered position to an elevated position without imposing a strain on the cable I35 and also without permitting this cable to contact the ground.

If desired, in certain types of trucks where a source of hydraulic power is available, a suitable multi-conductor conduit may be substituted for the cable I35 thus transmitting fluid pressure from the truck to the unloading device for actuation of the various power cylinders. It is of course understood that the fluid pressure circuit and control therefor described above is as equally applicable to the modified forms of this invention as it is to the form in connection with which the description was made.

The hydraulic circuit and electric control circuit described above have been found to be very efficient and flexible in operation but it is of course understood that numerous other circuits may be developed and utilized which would 0bviously be within the scope of this invention.

The unloading device of this invention may be constructed in various sizes and capacities while still retaining the basic principles of design and operation described herein, and it has been found that it is entirely practical to construct such a device which may be extended a distance of approximately 40 inches and which when collapsed or retracted occupies a depth of only 4 inches. It has also been found entirely practical to provide a device of this nature which will exert a pushing or unloading force of approximately 4000 pounds, which is ample to remove any load now commonly carried by commercially available pallets.

Even though the device of this invention is composed of relatively extensive linkage systems, nevertheless these systems may be constructed of parts which are relatively economical to produce and which when assembled are substantially fool-proof since there are no critical adjustments .9 which must belnade and continually changed in order to maintain the device in proper operating condition. The device is. easily applicable o a conventional truck with a minimum of alterations therein and of course may be directly applied to new trucks at the factorywith no difficulty.

It will be obviousto thos skilledin the art that various change maybe made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and therefore th invention is notlim-ite'd by that which is shown in the drawin and described in the specification but only as indicated in t app nded claims,

What is claimed is:

1. For use with av commercial lift truck having vertical rails secured to the front of said truck, a carriage slidably mountedfo'r vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured. to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, a l0ad-.engaging. member, a plurality of limes; connecting said load engagingv member and said upstanding members, certain of saidlinks being slidably mounted on said upstanding-memhers and others of said links beingpivotally mounted thereon, said links being. constructed andarranged to res-train movement 0t said. load engaging. member to substantially a straight line while maintaining saidloadrengaging member in a vertical position substantially parallelto said upstandingmembers, power actuating for said lead engaging member comprisingYapair of member, pallet gripping means disposed between i said pallet engaging forks, said gripping 'means comprising a pair oi opposed jaws slidaib'ly mounted on a portion of said carriage, a fluid pressure cylinder l'iavi-r'ig a piston slid'ably -receiived therein, a pair drunks ivotally connected to said piston, said links being also pivotally corr neoted' to a second pair of links pivotally mounted from saidcyl'inder and the opposite ends of said second pair of. links being pivotally connected to said jaws, a third pair of links pivotauy mounted from said cylinder and securedat their opposite ends to said jaws, said second and third pairs of links thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said'j'aws, said second pair of links serving to transmit motion from said piston to said jaws for movement toward and away from each other, whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder said jaws will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative; to said' ylinder associated with said gripp means whereb .S id pallet is restrained against move ment dunner actuation orsaid lo d n a member to reject/a, load .rr'om saidpallet and whereby said ,switclimay be. operated for retractingusaid load engaging member and to release said gripping means, Y I

2. For use with acommercial Iii-t triu'cli having pallet enga ing forks mounted vfor verticalmove- Intent thereon; an unloading device comorisin members secured to. said forks, a load engaging member, a plurality of linksconneotiiig said load engaging member and said members, said links being constructed. and arranged to restrain u -ovennentofl load engaging member .to Substa-ntially a straight. line while. maintaining said lead engaging member inavertic-al position substantially parallel tolvs'aid members, power actuating means for said. load engaging member comprising avpair oi'pi-iessure cylinders, pistons and-piston slidably received saidcylinders,. means conneeting theouter ends of i said piston rods with certain of said links; ,means for introducing fluidv pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston ,rod'sioutwardl-y therefrom, said movement resulting in extension oi said load engaging. member, and means tor introducing fluid pressure, to the lower portion offlsaiducylinders. to moi/ev said, piston rods-inwardly, said inward movement resulting n r ra ion f sa d lead eneasi sm mber, pallet gripping meanscomprising a pair -01" opposed jaws slidably mounted-on saidf orl zs, a fluid pressure cylinderhhaving a piston slidably received therein a pair: I, links pivotally' connetted to said piston sa d links b ng so pi otally connected tona seeond pair of links pivotallyimuunted from said cylinder andthe opposite ends of a said second pair oi links being pivotally connected to said Jaws, a third pair or links piv- Qtally mounted-iron; Said'cylinder and secured than" w e end rte, aid j ws said second and-third pairs of links providing-a floating supporttor saidoylinder onsaidjaws, said second pair of links servingito transmi-tmotion from piston to said-jaws; for movement toward andaway tromeach other whereby upon introduct onof fluid pressure to sai-dcylinder said 1 me ev e a d means onsaid, truck comprising alswi'tclr for controlling the operationof said fluid- ,pressure source and for controlling. a solenoid valve whereby, fiuid'pressure is simultaneu 'y h md uoed to said pressure, cylinders; and

said. pressure cylinder associated with said gripping means whereby said pallet is restrained against movement. during actuation of said load engagingmemberto eject a load from said pallet and whereby saidswi-tch may. be operated for retracting. said load 'e gagi member and to releasesaid gripping means; 7

3'. For use with aiicolnmercial lift, truok h-avins pallet. engaginafor-ks mounted for vertical movementthereon an unloading device-i comprising members secured to said} forks; a: load engaging. mernber aplurality elf-links connectns said loadengaging member and-said members, said being; constructed and-arranged to restrain movement: of.v sai lead nga in member to, a substa t l ystrei'ehtrlne w i 11 maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member, means connecting .said power actuating means with certain of said links, means for operating said power actuating means resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for operating said actuating means in the reverse direction to retract said load engaging member, pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging forks, said gripping means comprising a pair of opposed jaws slidably mounted on said forks, a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston slidably received therein, a pair of links pivotally connected to said piston, said links being also pivotally connected to a second pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder, and the opposite ends of said second pair of links being pivotally connected to said jaws, a third pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder and secured at their opposite ends to said jaws, said second and third pairs of links thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said jaws, said second pair of links serving to transmit motion from said piston to said jaws for movement toward and away from each other, whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder said jaws will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said jaws with said pallet portion, regardles of any misalignment thereof, a source of power on said unloading device, and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said power source whereby power is simultaneously applied to said power actuating means and said pressure cylinder associated with said gripping means whereby said pallet is restrained against movement during actuating of said load engaging member to eject a load from said pallet and whereby said switch may be operated for retracting said load engaging member and to release said gripping means.

4. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement thereon, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load engaging member, means connecting said load engaging member and said members, said means being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member, means connecting said power actuating means with said means connecting said load engaging member and said members, whereby upon operation of said power actuating means in one direction said load engaging member is extended, and upon operation of said power actuating means in the reverse direction said load engaging member is retracted, pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging forks, said gripping means comprising a pair of opposed jaws slidably mounted on said forks, a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston slidably received therein, a pair of links pivotally connected to said piston, said links being also pivotally connected to a second pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder and the opposite ends of said second pair of links being pivotally connected to said jaws, a third pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder and secured at their opposite ends to said jaws, said second and third pairs of links thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said jaws, said second pair of links serving to transmit motion from said piston to said jaws for movement toward and away from each other, whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder said jaws will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said jaws with said pallet portion, regardless of any misalignment thereof, a source of power on said unloading device, and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said power source whereby power is simultaneously applied to said power actuating means and said pressure cylinder associated with said gripping means, whereby said pallet is restrained against movement during actuating of said load engaging member to eject a load from said pallet and whereby said switch may be operated for retracting said load engaging member and to release said gripping means.

5. For use with a commercial lift truck having vertical rails secured to the front of said truck, a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said upstanding members. certain of said links being slidably mounted on said upstanding members, and others of said links being pivotally mounted thereon, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line, while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said upstanding members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinder means connect ing the outer ends of said piston rods with certain of said links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinder to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinder to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging forks, said gripping means being slidably mounted on a portion of said carriage, a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston slidably received therein, links connecting said piston with said gripping means, links pivotally connecting said gripping means and said cylinder thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said gripping means, said links connecting said piston and said gripping means serving to transmit motion from said piston to said gripping means, whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder said gripping means will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof, relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said gripping means with said pallet portion, regardless of any misalignment thereof, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and 13 for controlling a solenoid valve whereby fluid pressure issimultaneously introduced to said pressure cylinders and said pressure cylinder as sociated' with said gripping'means whereby pallet is restrained against movemen-touring actuation of said lead engagingmember toeiect a load from said palletand whereby said' switch may be operated for retracting said load engaging member and" to release said gripping means.

6. For use with a commercial lift-truck having vertical rails secured to the front of 'saidtruck, a' carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members securedto said carriage, a load engaging member, a plural-ityoi Iinks'connecting said load engaging member'and said upstanding members, certain ofsaid links being slidably mounted on said upstanding members, and others of said links being pivotally mounted thereon, said linksbeing constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straightline, while maintaining saidload engaging member in a vertical'position substantially parallel to said upstanding members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders, pistons and piston rods sli'dably received in said cylinder" mean-s connecting the outer ends of said piston rods with certain of said links means forintroducing ii-uid pressure to the upper portion of saidcylinder to movesaid piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinder to move said piston rods inwardly, said in ward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging'forks, said gripping means being slidably mounted on a por tion of said carriage, power actuating means for said gripping'means, means forconnecting said power actuating means with. said gripping means for movement thereof and providing a floating support for said power actuating means thereon, whereby upon operation of said: power actuating means said gripping means'will; en-

gage and grip a, portion of saidpallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to saidiorlrs the floating mounting of said power actuating means permitting engagement of saidgripping means with said pallet regardless of any rule alignment thereof, a source of power on said unloading, device and means on said truck for controlling the operation of said power source, whereby power is simultaneously introduced to said pressure cylinders and to said power. actuating means for said gripping means whereby said pallet is restrained against movement during actuation of said load engaging member to eject a load. from said pallet and whereby said control means may be operated for retraction load engaging member and to release said grip.-

ping means. a

'7. For use with a commercial liittruck having vertical rails secured to the front of. said truck, a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloadingdevice comprising upstanding members secured'to said being slidably mounted on said upstanding mem. bers and others of said links being: pivotally mountedthereon, said links being constructed a d arranged to restrain movementof said load engaging member to substantially a straightsline while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel towsaid upstanding members, poweractuating means for said load engaging member comprisinga pair of pressure cylinders, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, means connecting the outer ends of said piston rods with certain of said links, a source of fiuidipressure on said unloading device, and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluidpressure source and'for controlling-a solenoid valve whereby fluid pressure may be introduced to the upper portion of said cylinders to-move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member thereby electing a load from said pallet and whereby said switch maybe operated for introducing. fluid pressure to the lower portion'of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting'in retraction of said load engaging member.

8. For use with a commercial lift truckhaving pallet engaging. forks mounted for vertical movement thereon, an unloading device comprising members secured to-said forks; azload engag-v ing member, a plurality oi links connecting said load engaging member-andisaid members; said links being constructed and arrangedto'restrain uovement or said load engaging member to a. substantially straightline while maintainingsaid load engaging member ina vertical possitionsubstantiall'y parallel to said members, poweractuat ing means for said loadengaging membepconiprising'a pairoi pressure cylinders; pistons and piston rods slidablyreceived insai-d'cylinders, means connecting theouter ends of said piston rods with certain oilsa-id links; a source of fluid pressureon said unloading device and'means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the'operation-ofsaid fluid pressure source, and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby fluid pressureis introduced tothe upper portion of said cylinderto move said, piston rod outwardly thereirom'said movementresulting in extension of said loadengaging member thereby ejecting a load from said'pallet and whereby said-switch may operatedfor introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinder to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engagin member.

-91 A-pushing device comprising basemembers, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said lead engagingm-ember and said basemember, certain of said links being slid ably mounted; on said" basemembers and others of saidlinks being pi'votally mountedtherecn,

said links being constructed and: arranged to restrain movement of said'load' engaging memher to a substantially straight linewhile main"- tain-ing' said loadengaging member in a'posltlon' substantially parallel to said base members, power aotuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders,

pistons andpiston rods slidably receivedin said cylinders, means connecting the outer ends of said piston rods with certain of said l-inks; a source of fluidpressure on said pushing device, and means comprising a switch for controlling the operatioirof' said fluidpressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby fluid pressure may be introduced to one portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member and. whereby said switch may be operated for introducing fluid pressure to another portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member.

10. A pushing device comprising base members, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said base members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a position substantially parallel to said base members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, means connecting the outer ends of said piston rods with certain of said links, a source of fluid pressure on said pushing device and means comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby said power actuating means is controlled.

11. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement thereon a pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging forks, said gripping means comprising a pair of opposed jaws slidably mounted on said forks, a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston slidably received therein, a pair of links pivotally connected to said pistons, said links being also pivotally connected to a second pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder and the opposite ends of said second pair of links being pivotally connected to said jaws, a third pair of links pivotally mounted from said cylinder and secured at the opposite ends to said jaws, said second and third pairs of links thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said jaws, said second pair of links serving to transmit motion from said piston to said jaws for movement toward and away from each other whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder, said jaws will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said jaws with said pallet portion regardless of any misalignment thereof, a

source of fluid pressure and means on said truck v slidably received therein, links connecting said piston with said gripping means, links pivotally connecting said gripping means and said cylinder thus providing a floating support for said cylinder on said gripping means, said links connecting said piston and said gripping means serving to transmit motion from said piston to said gripping means whereby upon introduction of fluid pressure to said cylinder said gripping means will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said gripping means with said pallet portion regardless of any misalignment thereof, a source of fluid pressure and means on said truck to control the application of fluid pressure to said cylinder whereby said gripping means will grip and release said pallet.

13. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for movement thereof, pallet gripping means disposed between said pallet engaging forks said gripping means being slidably mounted on said forks, power actuating means for said gripping means, means for connecting said power actuating means with said gripping means for movement thereof and providing a floating support for said power actuating means thereon whereby upon operation of said power actuating means said gripping means will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said forks, the floating mounting of said power actuating means permitting engagement of said gripping means with said pallet regardless of any misalignment thereof, a source of power and means on said truck for controlling the application of power to said power actuating means, whereby said gripping means will grip and release said pallet.

14. For use with a commercial lift truck having vertical rails secured to the front of said truck, a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, a load engaging member, a first pair of links pivotally secured adjacent the lower edge of said load engaging member and the opposite ends thereof being pivotally mounted on slides received in vertical tracks in said upstanding members, a second pair of links pivotally secured at one end adjacent the lower end of said upstanding members, the opposite ends of said second pair of links being provided with rollers engaging vertical tracks on said load engaging member, a plurality of pivotally related links connecting said load engaging member with said upstanding members and restraining movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said upstanding members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said upstanding members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in yokes provided with rollers received in inclined trackways, rails secured in spaced opposed relation to said inclined trackways and being constructed and arranged to prevent movement of said rollers away from said trackways, links connecting said yokes with said second pair of links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, and hook members secured adjacent the upper edge of said load engaging member and engageable by said rollers when in retracted position whereby outward tilting of said load engaging member is prevented, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby fluid pressure is introduced to said pressure cylinders to actuate said load engaging member to eject a load from said pallet and whereby said switch may be operated for retracting said load engaging member.

15. For use with a commercial lift truck having vertical rails secured to the front of said truck, a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, a load engaging member, a first pair of links pivotally secured adjacent the lower edge of said load engaging member and the opposite ends thereof being pivotally mounted on slides received in vertical tracks in said upstanding members, a second pair of links pivotally secured at one end adjacent the lower end of said upstanding members, the opposite ends of said second pair of links being provided with rollers engaging vertical tracks on said load engaging member, a plurality of pivotally related links connecting said load engaging member with said upstanding members and restraining movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said upstanding members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said upstanding members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in yokes provided with rollers received in inclined trackways, rails secured in spaced opposed relation to said inclined trackways and being constructed and arranged to prevent movement of said rollers-iaway from said trackways, links connecting said yokeswith said second pair of links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, and hook'members secured adjacent the upper edge of said load engaging member and engageable by said rollers when in retracted position whereby outward tilting of said load engaging member is prevented, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby operation of said power actuating means is controlled.

16. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement therein, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in yokes provided with rollers received in inclined trackways, rails secured in spaced opposed relation to said inclined trackways and being constructed and arranged to prevent' movement of said rollers away from said trackways, links connecting said yokes with certain of said first mentioned connecting links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, means forintroducing fluid pressure to the lower portion ofsaid cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, means secured adjacent the upper edge of said load engaging member and engageable by a portion of said links when in retracted position whereby outward tilting of said load engaging member is prevented, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device, and means on said truck. comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby the operation of said power actuating means is controlled.

17. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement thereon, an'unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load'engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted onsaid members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, means on the outer ends of said piston rods engaging an inclined trackway, means connecting said inclined trackway engaging means with certain of said links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rodsoutwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby operation of said power actuating means is controlled. 18. A pushing device comprising base members, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said base members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a position substantially paralle1 to said base members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said base members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in yokes provided with rollers received in inclined trackways, rails secured in spaced opposed relation to said inclined trackways and being constructed and arranged to prevent movement of said rollers away from said trackways,

-=.flrst:mentioned: connecting links,"means for inv".tn'oducing fluid pressure to;one portion ofsaid cylinders i toiimove. said: piston -:rods-.-outv\ ardly -therefrom,':said movement resulting-in extension .rof said load engaging member, means fo introducing fluid'pressure toxthe oppositerportion-of said cylinders to move said piston rodsinwardly, asaidrmovement resulting in retraction, of said :load engaging membena source of fluid pressure .on .said pushing deviceand meanscomprising aswitch for controlling the operation of said ifluldrpressure source and for controlling a. solenoid valve .Whereby. the operation of said power actuating "means. is controlled.

.19. A pushing device 7 comprising base mem- "bers aiload :engagingmember, a plurality of: links connecting-said load engaging member and said base: members, said links" being constructed and arranged ;to restrain movement of said-loadmngagingamember to a substantially straightline -whilertmaintaining saidialoadwengaging member rinaatposition substantially parallel to saidbase Lm'embersppower actuating means." for said load :tenga'ging member comprisinga pair of :pressure cylinders mounted on said base members, pisdzons: a and "piston .zrods; 2slidably: received-m in 'said cylindersp'means onthe outer; ends' of 'said -pisdianrods-engagingam inclined trackway; means :connecting said; inclined 'trackway engaging -means.witlncertain ofss'aid linksymeans forcinitroducingfluidit-pressure torone portion of'said cylinders to move said piston rods i outwardly -tl1erefrom,=,1 said movement resulting :in extension :-'of.:saidload engaging memberymeans for intro- -dnclng'1fl11id' pressure :to the opposite portion of said cylinders-tomove said piston rods inwardly, 'saidf'inward :movem'entresulting in retraction :of said: tloadezengaging 'membenr'a 'ISOlllCB of flu-id pressureaon said pushing'device. and means :for :controlling the operation of "said .fluid" pressure .source 'and' for. controlling the: operation .ofwsaid power actuating means.

2120. For use with-a .commercialflift truckzhaving vertical rails secured to thetfront of'said trucks a'." carriage islidably mounted for vertical "movement'on said'rails and pallet engaging forks secured tosaid carriage, an unloading device ccmprisinglupstanding members secured TtO" said carriage; a load engaging member; a:first pair-of links" pivotally :secured adjacent the lower edge ofsaidload engaging" member and the opposite ends .thereof' being :pivotallymounted on: slides received irr'verti'c'al tracks sin. said upstanding members, asecond pair-of links 'pivotally secured at'one'end adjacent the "lower end of said upstanding members, the opposite ends of said 'sec 'ondpair of linksbeing provided \vlthrollers en- "gaging vertical tracks onsaid-load engaging 'member, a plurality of pivotally-related' links connecting said load engaging member with said upstandingmembers: and restraining movement of said' load engaging member to substantiallya tstraight line while maintaining saiidload engagiing member :in a *vertical' position-substantially parallel to-said upstandingmembers, power ac- :tuating means for" said load engagingt'member comprising. a pair .of pressure cylinders- 'pivotally r'mountedvon' said upstanding. members, pistons and? piston rods. slidably-received in said cylin- '-"ders,:the-outer ends of said piston=rods terminating'in'adiustably. mounted yolres, means pivotally securing said yolres to said secondp'airv oilinlzs, means for introducing fluid: pressure 't0. the upper-portion. of said-cylinders: to :move saidipisa v :rton rods:outwardlyztherefromcsaid movement resultingiin extension. of. said load; engaging imemher; and: means forzintroducing fluid. pressure to .xthe-lowerrportion of; said cylinders. to move-said piston-rods inwardly; said'v'inward movement: re- ;sultingin' retractionz'of saidload engaging'mem- :ber, andrhook members secured;adjacenttheup- -pcrrzedge of .said lead? engaging member: and engageable' by: said rollers; when air-retracted poz'sitiona whereby outward :tiltingof said load :en .gagingrmember is prevented, pallet. gripping -means zdisposed between: said pallet engaging dorks'csaid gripping means comprisingapainof opposed :jaws' slidably mountedon a portionof said: carriage; a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston slidably received therein, a pair. of. links pivotally connected. to said piston; saidlinks be- :ing. alsoppivot'ally:zconnected to ausecondzpair v.otlinlrs pivotallyr'mountcdfrom said'cylinder and atheuoppositezendsc'of said 'secondpair of; links being pivotally "connected to: said; 51' aws, agthird spans of; linlrstpivotally.zmountedflfrom saidtfcy'lin- .der .andwzsecurediat: their opposite endsto-rsaid jaws-"said second and thirdpairs of 'linkszithus providing. aifioatingwsupport for saidcylinder; on said 'jaws said secondzpair of links servingxto transmit :motion vfromv said: piston-to said :jaws for movement towardand away :from' each other, whereby:uponintroduction of fluid pressure: to said cylindeimsaid jaws. will: engage and grip: a --p0rti0n of said pallet :thus preventing movement whereof-relative to-said forks, thefloatingnmunting of said cylinder "permitting engagement of said jaws. withsaid pallet portion regardless of anymisalignmentithereof, a source of fluldpres- 'sure 'on' said unloading device and means on said truck comprisinga switch for controllin the "operation of said fluid pressureusourcev and tor controlling asolenoid valve whereby ,fiuld' pressure is simultaneously introduced to said pressure cylinders and said pressure cylinder: associa-t'ed with said gripping-meanswher'eby said-pal- "let-is restrained against movement during actua- 'tion of said 'load'engaging member to eject:a "load fromsa-id pallet and whereby-said switch maybe operated for retracting said load engaginginember and :to release said gripping means.

"-21'.'"'Fo use with a commercial 11ft truclchaving verticalwrailasecured to the iront ofsaid truck; a'rcarriage slidably mounted for vertical 'movementon said rails and pallet engaging forks -secured-zto said carriage, an unloading device com- -.prising: upstanding. members secured to said .car-

riage; a load aenga'ging 'member, a first apairxof .links pivotally :secured adjacent the lower edge of: said load engaging member andv the opposite rendsathereof being pivotally' mounted on slides received in: vertical tracks in saidupstanding members, .a second. pair of links pivota-lly securediat one: end adjacentlthe lower end'ofsald upstanding members, the opposite ends'of-said secondvpair of links-being provided with rollers 'engagingvertic'al tracks on said load engaging member, a plurality "of pivotall related links connectingsaid load engaging member with said upstanding member and restraining movement 'of' said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical-position substantially parallelto: said upstanding members, power actuatingzmeansi for said load engaging. member comprisingv a pair ofpressure cylinders pivotally :mounted .on .saidupstanding members, pistons .and piston rodsslidably received in said cylinxdersgthe'outer 'endsoftsaid piston rods terminat- 21 ing in adjustably mounted yokes, means pivotally securing said yokes to said second pair of links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, and hook members secured adjacent the upper edge of said load engaging member and engageable by said rollers when in retracted position whereby outward tilting of said load engaging member is prevented, a source of fluid pressure on said unloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby operation of said power actuating means is controlled.

22. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement therein, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders pivotally mounted on said members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in adjustably mounted yokes, means pivotally securing said yokes to certain of said links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in' retraction of said load engaging member, means secured adjacent the upper edge of said load engaging member and engageable by a portion of said links when in retracted position whereby outward tilting of said load engaging member is prevented, a source of fluid pressure on saidunloading device and means on said truck comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby the operation of said power actuating means is controlled.

23. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks mounted for vertical movement thereon, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load en gaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, means on the outer ends of said rods pivotally connecting said rods to certain of said links, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods out trolled.

24. A pushing device comprising base members, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said base members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantiall straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a position substantially parallel to said base members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders pivotally mounted on said base members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said piston rods terminating in adjustably mounted yokes, means pivotally securing said yokes to certain of said links, means for introducing fluid pressure to one portion of said cylinders'to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for' introducing fluid pressure to the opposite portion of said cylinders to move said pistonrods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engagin member, a source of fluid pressure on said pushing device and means comprising a switch for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling a solenoid valve whereby the operation of said power actuating means is controlled.

25. A pushing device comprising bas members, a load engaging member, a plurality of links connecting said load engaging member and said base members, said links being constructed and arranged to restrain movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a position substantially parallel to said base 'members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders mounted on said base members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders,

.means on the outer ends of said rods pivotally connecting'said rods to certain of said links,

-means for introducing fluid pressure to one portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said lead engaging member, means for introducing fluid pressure to the opposite portion of said cylinders to move said piston, rods inwardly, said inward movement resulting in retraction of said load engaging member, a source of fluid pressure on said pushing device and means for controlling, the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling the operation of said power actuating means.

26. For use with a commercial lift truck having vertical rails secured to the front of said truck, a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement on said rails and pallet engaging forks secured to said carriage, an unloading device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, a load engaging member, a first pair of links pivotally secured adjacent the lower edge :23 10f :sa'id-;load;;engaging: member. and-the opposite sends. thereofzhaving: .-.me ans ,r slidablyreceived :in cam-islets :in'; saidtupstanding; members; a first "pair rof be1l:.crank1:levers-pivotally ;-;mo untedon -said: u-pstandingatmembers, the-opposite ends of TEsaidibell crank levers: being :pivota-lly1connected cwith 'saidload engaging :member .by rzadditional a second-pair of bell-crank levers pivotally .-mnunted "on; said: upstanding members; adjacent the lower endslthereof, the opposite ends of :said second pair :10f1 :bell: :crank levers being. pivota'lly secured to said first pair of links, link: means -pivotallyconnecting. said bell crank. levers at nsubstantially the .midpoints :thereof,--sa-id glinks randubell crank levers restraining movement of ,isaiid loadwngaging member to a -suhstantial'ly straight line while. maintaining said: load engaging member in a vertical .pcsitionsubstantially zcparallel tQsaidLupstanding members; power acituating -means .for .said load engaging member :comprisinga pairof pressure cylinders fixed. with :relation to said upstanding-members, pistons and --.piston rods slidably received insaid cylinders'gt-he :outer: ends of-said 'rods terminating -.-in;adjust- .ablyrmounted shcessaid shoes-engagingzthe upqaersurfaces ofvsaidsecond: pairof. bell: crank :levers, said shoes being --connected ;by a-rod :slid ably engagingcam-tracks fixed witlrrelation to :said upstanding-members. and beingslidably rev ceived' in slots in said. upstanding membersg-means for introducing fluid pressure to the. ,upperpor- :tion of said/cylinders; to-move 'said, piston rods aoutwardly :therefrom;:said movement =resulting. in "extension; ofsaid -load engaging member, I and means for introducing fluid pressure to therlower mortion ofrsaidmylinders'to retractzsaid rods and said ,shces resilient.means sengagingpsaid second :pair'ofbell crank-.-levers to retractrsaidload-engaging memberrzupon retraction: of i; said shoes, .palletgripping meansjdisposedbetween: said pallet engaging forks, said.grippingrmeansacomprisinga pair of-iopposed jaws slida-bly xmounted' on aportion ofsaidzcarriage; a fluid .pressure cylin- 1 der having six-piston; slidably received ,:therein,- a

pair .oflinks pivotally "connected to, said piston,

said .links' :being; also =-piv.ota1ly connected to a "second pair of; links-pivotallya mounted fromsaid cylinderand the opposite ends of said second '-.'pair.'of links being pivotally connected-to-said :jaws, athird pair of links pivotally: mounted from :said cylinder and secured fat their'opposite ends "to said-jaws, saidsecond and third pairs of links thus providing a; floating support forsaidcylinder cnp'said jaws, said second pair "of l-inks=servring to. transmit motion fromsaid pistontosaid -jaws"formovement toward and away from-each other; whereby upon introduction of fluid pres- :sureto'said cylinder said jaws-will engage and grip a portion of said pallet thus preventing movement thereof relative to said "forks, the floating mounting of said cylinder permitting engagement of said jaws with said pallet portion, regardless of any misalignment thereof, a source oLfiuid pressure on. said. unloading device and means onsaid truck comprising a switch for controllingthe operationof said fluid pressure source and forcontrolling a solenoid valve whereby :fluid pressureis simultaneously introduced to said pressure cylinders and said-pressure cylinden associated with said gripping; means whereby saidv pallet is restrained against movement duriing actuation of said lead engaging member to -.ejecta loadzfrom said pallet. and wherebyzsaid -=B.\Vit0h=. mayx-bepperated for-retracting :said load v-engagingnmember. and tor-release said gripping means.

;27.-'-For usewith a commercial lift-truck having vertical-rails.secured to. the front of said truck, a--carriagesiidablymounted for vertical xmovementcomsaid rails and pallet engaging forks ssecured -ltonsaid carriage, an unloading .device comprising upstanding members secured to said carriage, aloadengaging membena first pair of'links pivotally secured adjacent the lower .edge of said-load iengaging member; and the opposite ends-thereof havinglmeans slidably receiveddn cam slotsr-in said upstanding members, a: first pairof bell crank'levers pivotally mounted on said upstanding, members; the opposite ends of :said bell crank levers being pivotally connected with said load ,engagingmember by additional links; alsecond pair of. bell crank ievers'pivotally mounted :on said upstanding members adjacent the lower endsthereof, the opposite ends .of said -second:;pair 10f bellcrank levers'being .pivotally seeuredto said-firstpair oilinks, linkvmeans pivotallyconnecting said bell crank-levers'atsub- .stantially themidpoints thereof, said links and -bel11crank:;levers restraining movement of :said :load engaging member to a substantially-straight linevvhile. maintaining said lead engaging member-in a vertical position substantiallyaparallel to said-upstanding members; power actuating means .for said load engagingmember comprising a pair of'pressure-rcylinders fixed with relation to: said upstandingmembers, pistonsand piston.- rods 'slidably receivedin said cylinders,

"theouter' ends of said rods terminating in adjustably mounted shoes,- said shoes engaging'the upper surfaces of .said second pair of bell crank ;-levers;.said shoes being connected by a'rod slidably engaging cam tracks fixed with relation to said upstandingmembers and being slidablyremeans forintroducing-fluid pressure to theup- -pe portionofsaid cylinders .to. movesaid. piston .rods outwardly therefrom, said .movernent .resulting in extension of said load engaging. mem- .bers, and means ,fOl' introducing fluid-pressure .-to the lowerrportion; of said cylinders-to retract said rods and-said shoes, resilient means engagzing-saidsecond pair of bell crank levers to retract saidload engaging member upon retraction of said-,shoes,uaisourceof fiuidpressure on said .unloading device and means on said truck comprising a-switch for controlling the operation of said fluidgpressure source and for controlling a solenoidyvalve-whereby operation of said power '.1actuatingi means is controlled.

ceivedin slots in; said -upstanding members,

28. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load .engagingqmember, a first pair of linkssecured .to said iload engaging member and the opposite ends thereof'having means slidably received in slots insaid members, a first pair of bell crank =levers pivotally mounted on said members, the (opposite ends of said bell crank levers being pivotally connected with said load engaging member by additional links, asecond'pair of .bell crank levers pivotally mounted on said .members, the opposite ends of said second pair r-ofbell" crank levers being pivotally secured to said-first pair of 1inks,link means pivotally connecting-said bell crank levers at substantially .the-, m idpoints thereof, said links and bell crank 'leversrestrainingmovement of said load engagnngmember to asubstantially straight line'while maintaining .said loadengaging-member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising a pair of pressure cylinders fixed with relation to said members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said rods terminating in adjustably mounted shoes, said shoes engaging the upper surfaces of said second pair of bell crank levers, said shoes being connected by a rod slidably engaging cam tracks, means for introducing fluid pressure to the upper portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member, and means for introducing fluid pressure to the lower portion of said cylinders to retract said rods and said shoes, resilient means engaging said second pair of bell crank levers to retract said load engaging member upon retraction of said shoes, a fluid pressure source on said unloading device and means on said truck for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling the operation of said power actuating means.

29. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load engaging member, links pivotally and slidably connecting said load engaging members and said members, a plurality of bell crank levers pivotally connected to said members and being connected to said load engaging member by additional links, said links and bell crank levers restraining movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member comprising pressure cylinders fixed with relation to said members, pistons and piston rods slidably received in said cylinders, the outer ends of said rods terminating in shoes, said shoes engaging the upper surfaces of certain of said bell crank levers, said shoes being guided for movement by a rod engaging cam tracks, means for introducing fluid pressure to one portion of said cylinders to move said piston rods outwardly therefrom, said movement resulting in extension of said load engaging member and means for introducing fluid pressure to the opposite portion of said cylinders to retract said rods and said shoes, means to retract said load engaging member upon retraction of said shoes, a fluid pressure source and means for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure source and for controlling the operation of said power actuating means.

30. For use with a commercial lift truck having pallet engaging forks, an unloading device comprising members secured to said forks, a load engaging member, a first pair of links secured to said load engaging member and the opposite ends thereof having means slidably received in slots in said members, a first pair of bell crank levers. pivotally mounted on said members, the opposite ends of said bell crank levers being pivotally connected with said load engaging membar by additional links, a second pair of hell crank levers pivotally mounted on said members, the opposite ends of said second pair of bell crank levers being pivotally secured to said first pair of links, link means pivotally connecting said bell crank levers at substantially the midpoints thereof, said links and bell crank levers restraining movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a vertical position substantially parallel to said members, power actuating means for said load engaging member engaging certain of said bell crank levers whereby outward movement of said power actuating means will result in extension of said load engaging member, means to retract said load engaging member upon inward movement of said power actuating means, and means for controlling the operation of said power actuating means.

31. A pushing device comprising base members having slots, a load engaging member, a first pair of links pivotally secured to said load engaging member and the opposite ends thereof having means slidably received in said slots, a pair of bell crank levers pivotally mounted on said base members, the opposite ends of said bell crank levers being pivotally connected with said load engaging member by additional links, a second pair of bell crank levers pivotally mounted on said base members, the opposite ends of said second pair of bell crank levers being pivotally secured to said first pair of links, links and bell crank levers restraining movement of said load engaging member to a substantially straight line while maintaining said load engaging member in a position substantially parallel to said base members, power actuating means for said load engaging member, and means for controlling operation of said power actuating means whereby said load engaging member is extended or retracted.

JULIAN B. THOMAS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,859,830 Kummel May 24, 1932 2,047,347 Wheelock July 14, 1936 2,176,636 Meacham Oct. 17, 1939 2,256,454 Bomar Sept. 16, 1941 2,371,661 Wilms Mar. 20, 1945 2,402,579 Ross June 25, 1946 2,418,661 Palm Apr. 8, 1947 2,509,023 Vogel et a1 May 23, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 474,968 Germany Feb. 23, 1927 

